Jimmy Kimmel chokes up while speaking about Las Vegas shooting

Updated:1 year, 2 months ago IST

New Delhi, Oct 03 (ANI): Comedian Jimmy Kimmel put all jokes aside during the opening monologue of his US talk show overnight and instead delivered an emotional speech following the Las Vegas mass shooting. Kimmel, a Las Vegas native, visibly choked back tears as he spoke about the tragedy that unfolded yesterday when a gunman opened fire on a concert taking down at least 59 people and injuring more than 500. "Here we are again in the aftermath of another terrible, inexplicable, shocking and painful tragedy - this time in Las Vegas, which happens to be my hometown," he said. "And, of course, we pray for the victims - and for their families and friends and we wonder why, even though there's probably no way to ever know why a human being would do something like this to other human beings who were at a concert having fun listening to music." The host reflected on the individuals who had died in the event and the "children (now) without parents". Kimmel also challenged America's gun laws and urged the public to push for stronger "common sense" gun legislation. "I don't know why our so-called leaders continue to allow this to happen? Or, maybe a better question, why do we continue to allow this to happen?" he said. "I think now is the time for a political debate." 'Late Night' host Seth Meyers also began his show by sending his condolences to the families of the victims, and commending first responders and heroic residents who "risked their lives to save stranger." "It always seems like the worst displays of humanity in this country are immediately followed by the best, and then sadly, that is followed by no action at all. And then it repeats itself," Meyers said, before sending a pointed message to Congress. Meyers ended his message with a plea for transparency: "If you're not willing to do anything, just be honest and tell us. ... If it's going to be thoughts and prayers from here on out, the least you can do is be honest about that."